Objective:The objective of the activity is to design, develop, build and test a compact 10-dBi-class-gain deployable UHF antenna for machine-to-machine nano-satellite missions.Targeted Improvements:Improvement of the directivity by a factor of 2-3 in comparison to today's state of the art whilst staying within a stowage volume of 1U (10x10x10 cubic cm).Description:Today, machine-to-machine missions using nano satellites are feasible if the link budget can be closed. The critical issues are the limited power availableand hence the limited equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) on the spacecraft and for the ground terminal.A simple, and low-power ground terminal with a small radiating aperture is essential for market acceptance and hence the focus must be on increasing theEIRP of the spacecraft. This can be achieved by increasing the gain of the on-board antenna. Research work has shown that possiblesolutions exist to overcome the limitations of the existing deployable antennas while maintaining a stowed volume of 1 U.In this activity a compact deployable high-gain UHF antenna stowable in a 1U volume will be designed, developed and tested. The antenna shallbesuitable for use in 3U nano-satellites, or larger, and shall provide a gain of at least 10 dBi.An engineering model of the antenna, including its deployment mechanism, shall be built and tested.Procurement Policy: C(2) = A relevant participation (in terms of quality and quantity) of non-primes (incl. SMEs) is required. For additional information please go to EMITS news "Industrial Policy measures for non-primes, SMEs and RD entities in ESA programmes".

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